Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Papelbon's the 'One'

Tonight Jon Papelbon allowed one run, one hit, and one walk at AA for Portland as they visited New Hampshire. Portland and NH are tied 1-1 in the 12th.

Papelbon (3-2) lowered his ERA to 2.10, with 32 hits, 15 walks and 48 strikeouts in 55 2/3 innings. The best correlation with ERA at the major league level is strikeout to walk ratio, higher than previous ERA.

At least so far, the Sox have had the luxury of not rushing minor leaguers before they were ready, and Portland has several starters who have been pitching well including Papelbon, LHP Jon Lester (2-1, 3.44), and David Pauley (2-1, 3.08).

Also noteworthy is Brandon Moss' recent offensive surge, entering tonight at .255/.333/.404, and delivering a homer tonight. Moss has been on an 8 for 18 tear, with 5 runs scored, two homers, and 6 RBI in the past 5 games as he adjusts to AA pitching.

Keep up with the Sox' minor league clubs at their web sites or at www.minorleaguebaseball.com

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